semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl 

ˌse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

1

: being next to the last in an elimination tournament

2

: of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2

noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl 

ˈse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

1

: a semifinal match

2

: a semifinal round

semifinalist

ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist 

ˌse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Northeastern, which was denied a fourth straight title by the Terriers (7-13-3) in a stunning semifinal loss last week, is tied with Harvard for the most in tournament history. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

In 2024 and 2025, Anna made consecutive regional semifinal appearances after a move to Class 5A, where the Coyotes joined one of Texas’ toughest districts. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026

Noun

His best year came in 2023, when the edge rusher collected 41 tackles and 5½ sacks as Texas made the College Football Playoff semifinals. —Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026

Harvard beat New Hampshire and UConn in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Princeton in the semifinals. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for semifinal

• anticlinal
• entorhinal
• isoclinal
• polyvinyl
• transvaginal
• affinal
• anginal
• synclinal
• vaginal
• final
• pinal
• spinal

Kids Definition

semifinal

1 of 2 adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl 

1

: coming before the final round in a tournament

2

: of or taking part in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2 noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈsem-i-ˌfīn-ᵊl 

: a semifinal match or game

semifinalist

ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst 

noun